Commissioners began the goal-setting process in September with a brainstorming session. Belleman than narrowed the ideas down to what he felt were achievable goals.

The specific goals are as follows:

• Economic: To continue to improve the city’s economic vitality and quality of life by conducting annual economic development retention calls to key Bay City businesses; reduce the administrative time required in obtaining permits (code/planning); inspect all rental units annually; and increase the number of citations issued on blighted property by 20 percent.

• Communication: To share relevant information with all stakeholders by updating the City website and including a welcome packet

• Employee relations; To improve employee relations through target program efforts and recognition efforts by maintaining open communication, improved services through summer hours.

Commissioners discussed the goals for about two hours, suggesting some changes and concerns. But ultimately approved the goals Belleman brought forward.

“We’re getting ahead of ourselves here,” said Commissioner Larry Elliott, 9th Ward during a long discussion on the economic portion of the goals. “It’s (Belleman’s) goal to figure out how to do this. We’re all going to have something on the (brainstorming) list that isn’t going to make it (into the goals).”

A finalized list of the goals will come before the Commission at a future date for formal approval.